Numbers

Category: A group of biblical books that have a similar literary genre or main themes and have been placed together as a major section of the Bible.
Torah
Torah: The first five books of the Old Testament that recount the foundation story of the Israelites, their covenant with God, and their role in human history.
Literary Style: A unique style of writing that follows recognized literary conventions and language patterns.
Narrative
Narrative: A story sequence in which characters are placed in a setting and involved in a developing plotline.
,  Epic Narrative
Epic Narrative: A narrative that is intentionally placed in an ambiguous historical setting in order to make larger claims about the nature of reality and human purpose.
,  Law
Law: Ancient Israelite customs and regulations that governed civil and religious practice and constituted the terms of Israel’s covenant with God.

Contents

    Torah Series Part VI

    Numbers

    A road trip gone really bad. Israel leaves Mt. Sinai only to rebel against God at every step. God responds with short-term severity and long-term generosity as He leads them into the promised land.

    About Numbers

    After centuries of living in foreign lands, the time comes for the Israelites to return to the land God had promised to Abraham. But soon after they set out for Canaan, Israel perpetually complains, sins, and even incites rebellion against Moses and Aaron in God's presence. Eleven days of travel in the wilderness become 40 years as a result of their unbelief, and only their children can enter the Promised Land. Tired and frustrated, Moses strikes a rock to resolve yet another complaint from the Israelites, but sadly disobeys God's instruction to speak to it. He too is prevented from entering the Promised Land.

    Even in all this, God still displays His amazing faithfulness and patience. A few individuals, such as Joshua and Caleb, remain faithful and will lead Israel's next generation. Many scriptures use Israel's wilderness stories in the Book of Numbers as examples for us to believe God and trust Him with our lives.

    Milestones

    The Journey Begins
    God prepares the Israelites for traveling to the Promised Land, leading them as a cloud by day and fire at night over the Tent.
    Promised Land Scouted
    Israel reaches Canaan and sends out twelve spies. Ten are overwhelmed by the inhabitants, but Joshua and Caleb see the land's abundance and believe God.
    Unbelief and Rebellion
    Believing the spies' bad report, the Israelites rebel against Moses and Aaron and face the consequences. Only their children, Joshua, and Caleb inherit the Promised Land.
    Moses Strikes the Rock
    God tells Moses to speak to a rock for water. Frustrated with complaining Israelites, Moses strikes it and disobeys. He is prevented to enter The Promised Land.
    Balak & Balaam
    The King of Moab orders sorcerer Balaam to curse Israel, but he can only pronounce blessings instead and prophesies. Israel is spared from harm.

    Read Scripture

    Numbers

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    Related Resources

    Resource
    Numbers Read Scripture Poster
    Illustrated Poster of the Respective Book. Contains highlights and major story/literary milestones. ...
    Blog Post
    Israel’s Rebellion in the Wilderness
    In last week’s blog, we explored Israel’s central sacrificial ritual, the Day of Atonement (Leviticu...
    Podcast
    Series: Torah P6 - Numbers - Q&R
    A Q+R on the book of Numbers in the Old Testament.
    Theme
    The Law

    Suggested Reading

    popular
    Numbers (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) by Gordon J. Wenham
    academic
    The Book of Numbers (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) by Timothy R. Ashley
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